Uber is officially ending its operations in Nigeria, closing the door on more than a decade of business in Africa’s most populous country.
According to BBC, the global ride-hailing company announced it would cease operations in both Nigeria and Uganda effective immediately. Uber described the move as a “difficult decision” that followed a thorough review of its business.
The company first entered Nigeria in 2014 before launching in Uganda two years later. Its departure comes as Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced the company is cutting its global workforce by 10%.
While Uber is leaving the two major African markets, the company maintains that the decision does not signal a broader exit from Africa.
“This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent,” Uber said in a statement to BBC. “We remain committed to sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity.”
Why Uber Is Leaving Nigeria
The shutdown follows years of challenges within Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. Based on BBC reporting, Uber drivers in the country have complained about low fares on the platform as fuel costs increased, as well as the company’s commission charges.
Drivers across Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry have also staged protests and industrial action in recent years over operating costs, fares, and working conditions.
Those pressures have unfolded alongside broader economic changes in the country. Nigeria removed its longstanding fuel subsidy following President Bola Tinubu’s election in 2023, contributing to an increase in the cost of living. Motorists were dealt another blow with the increase in petrol prices this year following the U.S. war with Iran.
Uber also faced growing competition during its time in Nigeria. International ride-hailing platforms including Bolt and inDrive operate in the country alongside several local companies.
The company had expanded beyond traditional car rides during its 12-year presence. In 2019, Uber launched a boat service in Lagos designed to give commuters another option for navigating the commercial hub’s notorious traffic congestion.
A Shrinking Footprint Across Africa
Nigeria and Uganda are not Uber’s first recent departures from Africa. According to the aforementioned report, the company has also withdrawn from Ivory Coast and Tanzania over the last year. After its latest exit, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa are the only remaining African countries where Uber continues to operate.
The ride-share company said it plans to support employees and drivers affected by the closures with its help center available in Nigeria and Uganda through Sept. 23 to address outstanding issues.
